12/22 Update: I need a GOOD boat mechanic.

[Bear44]

Hope its right this time.

So do I. OMG, so do I!

 

[Bear44]

I had no idea how sketchy boat mechanics could be before this.

 

[toobaroque]

Well, I can't see the original post because it's obviously from someone on my ignore list. So, since they ARE on my ignore list, they probably deserve it, and most certainly deserve to have problems with their boat.

 

[MRH]

Another update. I was so frustrated that I didn't post about it when it happened, but the motor crapped out on me again the next time I took it out. Same issue.

This time I didn't even contact the same mechanic. I went on line and specifically looked for a Johnson motor mechanic. Johnson motors are no longer in production, but they are the company that makes Evinrude. By looking at the Evinrude site I found a full service dealership, which never came up in my searches for "boat mechanics". I talked to them and they had a very good idea what was causing the problem after actually listening to what I was telling them.

It took a couple of weeks for them to get to it, but they immediately zeroed in on a couple of things. They did a test on the VRO, something my previous mechanic apparently didn't even know could be done, and found that it is perfectly fine. They also confirmed that the overall condition of the motor is excellent. They discovered that the fuel line was getting bubbles in it and replaced it. No more bubbles. They said this might be a contributing factor, but from experience they believe the real reason is a bad Pulse Limiter. They offered to take it to the lake and run it to see if the fuel line solved the issue, but it would cost me more in labor fees than just replacing the part. It only cost $40.

I'm going to pick it up next Thursday and get it on the lake. The mechanic has seen this problem many times and is very confident it's the pulse limiter. He even offered to put my old one back on and not charge me for that repair if this didn't fix the problem.

We'll see.

DJD...At this point I believe I would stipple it and sell it on the ODT for $1k more than you paid. LNIB, of course.

Seriously, I hope they got it fixed for you. Boats are awesome, but can be so frustrating, not to mention costly. Of course you know this. LOL...I would have guessed the same as @gh1950 about it being a fuel line problem. Good on you for taking it to an authorized dealership service dept. They will get it right. Good luck with the stripers. They should be close to the surface right about now.

 

[InTune]

No doubt. At this point I've only taken it far enough from the ramp that the electric motor couldn't get me back once.

You might want to let your buddy know that you can get Sea Tow services for about $175 a year if you buy it as insurance beforehand. If they aren't available where you're at, they will pay up to $5000 for another company to come get you. Definitely worth it.

I think the problem was, he wasn't chartering his boat. It was someone elses. He Captain's other people's boats. The big off shore boats $$$$. Anyway, everybody on the trip pitched in to cover the tow

 

[MRH]

Well, I can't see the original post because it's obviously from someone on my ignore list. So, since they ARE on my ignore list, they probably deserve it, and most certainly deserve to have problems with their boat.

You have Bear44 on your ignore list? LOL! WTH?

 

[toobaroque]

You have Bear44 on your ignore list? LOL! WTH?

Apparently I do. Don't ask me why, but I probably had an emotionally justifiable reason at the time!

 

[MRH]

Apparently I do. Don't ask me why, but I probably had an emotionally justifiable reason at the time!

Lol...Alrighty then!

 

[Bear44]

You have Bear44 on your ignore list? LOL! WTH?

Seeing his post in this thread, I'm grateful he does. LOL!

 

[Bear44]

Apparently I do. Don't ask me why, but I probably had an emotionally justifiable reason at the time!

Bless your heart.